Hope Davis

In the fertile New York indie film scene, Hope Davis is becoming the actress of choice for sad, vulnerable characters breaking out of their shells. She stars in Brad Anderson's "Next Stop, Wonderland" and in the madcap ensemble of Stanley Tucci's upcoming "The Impostors." Davis, 31, is also breaking into the studio world, and last year she was on Broadway with Kevin Kline in Chekhov's "Ivanov." CRACKIN' UP: "We laughed so hard on 'The Impostors.'

Hoping that Democrat Gray Davis will be the next governor, a Democrat-dominated Senate committee Wednesday refused to confirm three of retiring Gov. Pete Wilson's nominees to the UC Board of Regents. President Pro Tem John Burton (D-San Francisco), chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, told the three at a hearing that the action had nothing to do with their merits or qualifications for the prestigious 12-year posts.

Actress Hope Davis is sitting in a restaurant on the Upper West Side of Manhattan discussing the food she eats, why she eats it, what it reminds her of. Unlike most actors, it's not a one-way street. She wants your opinions of these matters as well. Bacon: "You don't mind if I handle all the bacon, do you? I'm a little fussy about my bacon. I don't like it all burned and crunchy. I don't like to eat carbon." Oatmeal: "Did you read the book 'Angela's Ashes'? This oatmeal reminds me of it.

The Padres are hoping to welcome back reliever Mark Davis today with a gala celebratory party at San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium. Fred Lane, the Padres' Chicago-based attorney, already has sent in his RSVP. The entire Padre front-office will be on hand. Reporters and cameramen are sure to be there scribbling notes and taking footage of every smile and each thank-you speech.